Sancho, Haaland, Henderson, Clarke & Zaha: The Essential Transfer Round Up – Saturday, January 13th

Sancho completes his Dortmund return

Although Jadon Sancho might have only arrived at Old Trafford back in July 2021 for a fee of £73million, the England international has quickly found himself at the heart of a Manchester United nightmare.

At the centre of a major controversy this season after a public falling out with Erik ten Hag, the 23-year-old has not made a single appearance for the Premier League giants since August 26th.

With the former Ajax boss making it abundantly clear that Sancho has no part to play going forward, the one-time Manchester City starlet has completed a loan switch back to Borussia Dortmund.

Enjoying what was a hugely successful spell during his four-year stay in rural Germany, Sancho certainly appears to be relishing a return to the German heavyweights.

While it has been reported that there is no buy option included in Sancho’s loan move, BVB will pay United £3million, with up to an additional £3.4million in add-ons which are subject to appearances and Champions League qualification.

2024, let’s go! @BVB pic.twitter.com/Z2nPH4MryN

— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) January 11, 2024

Real Madrid’s interest in Haaland is ‘growing’

With it once again looking like Kylian Mbappe will not be arriving in the Spanish capital anytime soon, it appears that Real Madrid have turned their attention to another European icon.

While there might have been major speculation last month that Mbappe could finally complete a long-anticipated move to the Bernabéu, Carlo Ancelotti’s side could be turning their attention to a certain Erling Haaland.

Although the Norwegian talisman might still be suffering with a recent foot that he sustained at the start of December, Haaland has only continued to break a string of records since arriving at the Etihad.

Breezing his way to the Premier League’s Golden Boot last year, the former Borussia Dortmund ace played a crucial role as Manchester City became the first English club since 1999 to be crowned treble champions.

Still notching 14 goals in his first 15 Premier League appearances this season, the future Ballon d’Or winner has certainly cemented his spot as Europe’s elite marksman.

💰 Real Madrid could target Erling Haaland due to a reported release clause#mancity | #realmadrid pic.twitter.com/eGQLYxkGxN

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) January 12, 2024

Ajax looking to hand Henderson a Saudi exit

While Jordan Henderson might have only completed his hugely controversial move to Saudi Arabia back in July, it appears that the England international is already desperate to complete a quick exit out of the Middle East.

Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny over the summer as he linked up with ex-Liverpool teammate Steve Gerrard Al-Ettifaq, Henderson has drastically struggled to adjust to life out of his comfort zone.

Although the 33-year-old might face a huge financial blow if he is to end his Saudi Arabian adventure early, Henderson has reportedly made it clear to the Al-Ettifaq hierarchy that he is keen on securing a move away this month.

While the one-time Sunderland starlet might not have a cue of Premier League admirers, Dutch giants Ajax have emerged as a shock leading contender to snap up the 81-cap international.

Despite being unable to complete a permanent move for Henderson this month, it has been suggested that the Amsterdam-based heavyweights are pushing to complete an initial loan switch.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 EXCL: Ajax are showing concrete interest in signing Jordan Henderson in case he’ll get green light to leave Al Ettifaq in January transfer window.

There are several clubs keen, waiting for Saudi club decision — but Henderson is looking for options and Ajax are there. pic.twitter.com/WWkvbO6RnV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 9, 2024

West Ham eyeing a Clarke swoop

With Mohamed Kudus away with Ghana at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations and Lucas Paqueta facing a potentially lengthy stint on the sidelines with a calf issue, it is no secret that West Ham are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements this month.

Although England international Jarrod Bowen might have continued on a real Premier League flurry this season, David Moyes is seeking more creativity in the final third.

With continued speculation that Said Benrehama and Pablo Fornals could be heading for the London Stadium exit, Sunderland’s Jack Clarke has emerged as a standout option for the one-time Manchester United boss.

Enjoying what has been a major Championship flurry this season and continuing to receive a string of praise, the ex-Spurs misfit has certainly kickstarted his career since arriving at the Stadium of Light.

With the Hammers looking to add more homegrown stars to their roster this month, it has been reported that West Ham are weighing up a potential £20million swoop.

West Ham United interested in Sunderland’s Jack Clarke. Sunderland under no pressure to let him go – he’s under contract until 2026. Clarke is Sunderland’s top scorer this season with 12 goals from 26 Championship games. First call @ExWHUEmployee #WHUFC #SAFC

— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) January 9, 2024

Villa hope to hand Zaha an immediate Premier League return

Although Wilfried Zaha might have completed a shock free transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray over the summer, it has been suggested that the former Crystal Palace record-breaker could be set for an immediate Premier League return.

Although the 31-year-old might have notched seven goals across all competitions so far this season, Zaha was omitted from the Ivory Coast’s squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Reportedly left hugely frustrated by Jean-Louis Gasset’s decision, it is being reported that Premier League high-flyers Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Zaha’s situation in Istanbul.

Sat in pole position to book a famous Champions League ticket in 2024, Unai Emery remains a huge admirer of the ex-Crystal Palace ace.

While Ollie Watkins might have continued on quite the free-scoring run this season, Zaha would certainly offer Villa’s top-four charge another dimension.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨

Aston Villa move for Zaha and approach Lazio winger

By @stevek9KS1TV https://t.co/VLNW7kIsUw

— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) January 10, 2024